The United Nations (UN) has recently been informed about the potential risks that the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) reforms in New Zealand pose to the Māori forestry industry. These reforms could potentially jeopardize earnings of up to $16 billion for Māori communities involved in the forestry sector.
The ETS is a government policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon. It allows businesses to buy and sell carbon credits, encouraging them to reduce their emissions and invest in sustainable practices. However, the proposed reforms to the ETS could have unintended consequences for Māori forestry owners.
Māori communities have a significant presence in the forestry industry, with many owning and managing large areas of forest land. These forests not only provide economic benefits but also hold cultural and spiritual significance for Māori people. The potential earnings from carbon credits under the ETS have been seen as a way to generate income while also contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
The concerns raised by Māori forestry owners stem from the proposed changes to the way carbon credits are allocated and managed. Under the current system, forest owners can earn carbon credits for the carbon sequestered by their trees. These credits can then be sold to emitters who need them to offset their own emissions. However, the reforms could limit the availability of these credits, reducing the potential income for Māori forestry owners.
One of the key issues is the proposed cap on the number of carbon credits that can be issued. This cap could limit the amount of revenue that Māori forestry owners can generate from their forests. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential exclusion of pre-1990 forests from the ETS, which would further reduce the earning potential for Māori communities.
The UN has been made aware of these concerns through submissions made by Māori forestry owners and their representatives. They argue that these reforms could undermine the economic development aspirations of Māori communities and hinder their ability to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
The UN has acknowledged the importance of the Māori forestry industry and the need to ensure that any reforms to the ETS do not disproportionately impact Māori communities. They have called on the New Zealand government to carefully consider the potential consequences of these reforms and to engage in meaningful consultation with Māori stakeholders.
In response to these concerns, the New Zealand government has stated that they are committed to working with Māori forestry owners to address their concerns and find a balanced solution. They recognize the importance of the forestry industry for both economic and environmental reasons and aim to ensure that any changes to the ETS do not undermine these benefits.
It is crucial for the government to take into account the concerns raised by Māori forestry owners and find a way to balance the need for climate change mitigation with the economic aspirations of Māori communities. The potential earnings of $16 billion for Māori forestry owners highlight the significant impact that these reforms could have on their livelihoods and the overall economy.
As discussions continue, it is hoped that a mutually beneficial solution can be reached, one that supports both climate change mitigation efforts and the economic development of Māori communities. The UN’s involvement in raising awareness about these concerns adds weight to the importance of finding a fair and equitable resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of Māori forestry owners.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.